CARY, N.C. (theACC.com) - The second-seeded Florida State Seminoles won their second consecutive ACC Women’s Soccer Championship with a 1-0 victory against top-seeded Virginia on Sunday afternoon at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The Seminoles claimed their eight title and their third in the last four years.

The ‘Noles (16-1-2) and Cavaliers (16-2-2) were the only two teams to be ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll this season, as an ACC team was the nation’s top-ranked team in each poll.

For the second consecutive year, Clara Robbins was tabbed the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP) after scoring the game-winning goal in the first half for the Seminoles.

“I thought it was the kind of game we expected,” said Florida State Head Coach Mark Krikorian. “Virginia’s a great team and they’re quite capable of competing in and winning the national championship. They have a fantastic staff and great players all over the field.

“Overall, I would say that the kids followed the gameplan pretty well. We had big performances and some special moments in the game. Of course, Clara’s (Robbins) goal was a big moment and (Cristina) Roque coming up with a big save was pretty important as well. It was a good team performance on a bigger stage, and it gets us ready for the NCAA Tournament.”

Florida State jumped out to the early 1-0 lead just 10 minutes into the contest, as Robbins intercepted a pass and lofted a shot from nearly 30 yards out over Virginia goalkeeper Laurel Ivory’s head for the score. It marked the second straight year that Robbins has scored the first goal of the ACC Championship Final.

Virginia was inches away from striking first, as Haley Hopkins’ shot from the top of the box hit the left post in the ninth minute.

“Tough loss, we’re obviously disappointed,” said Virginia Head Coach Steve Swanson. “Congratulations to Florida State, they’re worthy champions. I think they’re a great team and well-coached. We lost to the better team today and it was a great game.”

Virginia had scoring chances in the second half, but Florida State goalkeeper Cristina Roque was up for the challenge and came up big with a pair of saves.

The Cavaliers held an 11-8 margin on shots in the match and shots on goal were even at three apiece.

ACC teams will now await the NCAA Selection Show on Monday (Nov. 8) afternoon at 4:30 p.m. and it will be streamed live on NCAA.com.



2021 ACC Women’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
Clara Robbins, Florida State (MVP)
Maria Alagoa, Florida State
Lauren Flynn, Florida State
Emily Madril, Florida State
Cristina Roque, Florida State
Haley Hopkins, Virginia
Diana Ordoñez, Virginia
Alexa Spaanstra, Virginia
Talia Staude, Virginia
Megan Bornkamp, Clemson
Jenna Menta, Wake Forest